United to expand regional jet service to Atlanta, New Orleans, Austin

The 76-seat Embraer 175 has 12 seats in United First, 16 seats in Economy Plus and 48 seats in economy. The jet is replacing less fuel-efficient aircraft.

The 76-seat Embraer 175 has 12 seats in United First, 16 seats in...

United Airlines announced Monday that it will expand regional jet service this June and July between Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport and New Orleans, Atlanta and Austin.

The routes will be served by the Embraer 175 aircraft, which will replace less fuel-efficient planes in the United Express fleet, said the Chicago-based airline, which has a major presence in Houston.

In addition to consuming less fuel and having fewer carbon dioxide emissions per seat than the aircraft they replace, the new planes offer more premium seating and have wider aisles than other regional aircraft.

The Embraer 175 aircraft will start flying between Bush and Atlanta and New Orleans on June 15. The Houston-Austin flights are set to begin July 16.

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"Our customers tell us they value comfort and convenience in an inflight experience," Jeff Foland, United's executive vice president of marketing, technology and strategy, said in a statement. "The addition of the E175 to the United Express fleet enables us to maintain and better serve our customers, particularly in regional and in high-frequency business markets, as we build a flyer-friendly airline."

The aircraft will also be used on routes between Chicago and Minneapolis, Atlanta and New York City starting this summer, the airline said.

The 76-seat regional jet features 12 seats in United First, 16 seats in Economy Plus and 48 seats in Economy.

United Express carrier Mesa Airlines will operate the flights between Houston and Atlanta, Austin and New Orleans. Each United First seat features a power outlet, and all overhead bins can accommodate standard carry-on bags.